MANCHESTER United's Premiership dream is hanging by a thread going into the busy festive programme.

MANCHESTER United's Premiership dream is hanging by a thread going into the busy festive programme.

While they have only lost two league games this season, seven draws have repeatedly killed their momentum, and any more slip-ups could prove crucial.

When the Christmas fixtures are over the Premiership picture will be much clearer with 12 points up for grabs in just nine days.

Here ManchesterOnline runs the rule over United's opponents to predict whether or not it will be a happy New Year for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

United v Bolton, 26/12/04

United have not lost at home all season and there is no reason to suggest Bolton will be the first team to leave Old Trafford with three points. Sam Allardyce's men are in a mini-crisis. Ever since their 2-2 draw at Chelsea, Bolton have been in free-fall losing to Portsmouth, Everton, Norwich and Man City. United and Bolton drew back in September, but the Reds - mainly in the form of veterans Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane - are beginning to reignite their old form.

MOL prediction: United win

Aston Villa v United, 28/12/04

Much like Bolton, Aston Villa's promising early-season form has turned into a pronounced pre-Christmas wobble. City beat them comfortably back in November, and since then David O'Leary's men have drawn with Liverpool and lost against Birmingham and Middlesbrough. United beat them three times last year - once in the FA Cup - and look a good bet to make it four in four. United should be wary of Villa's strong home form though. They have won five and drawn three of their nine games at Villa Park to date.

MOL prediction: United win

Middlesbrough v United, 01/01/05

A tough game for a number of reasons. Former United number two Steve McClaren has crafted a fine side up at the Riverside, mixing stability and experience with youth and flair to great effect. Boro thoroughly deserve their lofty league position, and with players like Stewart Downing, Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, they can hurt the Reds. McClaren clearly uses his knowledge of United's set-up well, as in each of the last three seasons he has tasted victory over his old employers. In the Old Trafford fixture back in October Boro left with a 1-1 draw.

MOL prediction: Draw

United v Tottenham, 04/01/05

If the early signs are anything to go by, Tottenham under Martin Jol will be extremely difficult opponents. It's now four wins in four for the bullish Dutchman, the last of which was an emphatic 5-1 thrashing of Southampton. United won 1-0 at White Hart Lane back in September but with a strike trio of Jermain Defoe, Freddie Kanoute and Robbie Keane up front, this Spurs team are well capable of shocking the Reds.

MOL prediction: Draw

Do you agree with our verdict on United's Premiership programme? Have your say.